Tag Archives: native

What damn year is this?!?
Maybe if the public were educated as to the horrors of the Nationally imposed residential schooling system it would be clear just how incredibly HORRIFIC this particular micro-aggression is.
Children were routinely beaten and punished in other ways for speaking their own language in these schools (also referred to sometimes as boarding schools). The desired result was almost achieved, in stripping our people of their beautiful and varied mother tongues. The disconnect around language is still incredibly real and felt in Native communities across turtle island.
So in 2014 for this to be going on and for the response from the general public not to be IMMEDIATE OUTRAGE is maddening!!! The government should be obligated to provide instruction to rebuild our native language speakers to work towards repairing the damage they have intentionally inflicted on Native communities.

“When Miranda was teaching a classmate to say “posoh” and “ketapanen” on January 19, her teacher scolded her.
Native News Network reported her saying “You are not to speak like that! How do I know you’re not saying something bad? How would you like it if I spoke in Polish and you didn’t understand?”
The words Miranda was chastised for translate to “hello” and “I love you” in Menominee.”

Read the full story HERE, and feel free to contact this school and let them know what’s up.

Another great announcement out of the CBC today! I’ll take as much Wab Kinew as I can, thanks! ❤

“I think it’s an awesome show and the rationale for wanting to host it is the same,” he said. “It’s something I think is uniquely Canadian, that we actually have a reality show about books and we can have a show that’s a one-time celebration of literature but on another level is a forum to have some pretty deep conversations about big societal issues.”

LOVE that he’s using his platform to bring attention to the issue of VAW in the wake of such horrendous news. Right on! Be sure to nominate some of your favorites for ‘Canada Reads’

” Every year, our Nation pauses to reflect on the profound ways the First Americans have shaped our country’s character and culture. The first stewards of our environment, early voices for the values that define our Nation, and models of government to our Founding Fathers — American Indians and Alaska Natives helped build the very fabric of America. Today, their spirit and many contributions continue to enrich our communities and strengthen our country. During National Native American Heritage Month, we honor their legacy, and we recommit to strengthening our nation-to-nation partnerships.

As we celebrate the rich traditions of the original peoples of what is now the United States, we cannot forget the long and unfortunate chapters of violence, discrimination, and deprivation they had to endure.”

“Skwachays is more than a good-looking boutique hotel; it has two additional functions. First, 24 units are saved for low-cost aboriginal artist housing; the lower level is being renovated into a workshop. Artists live at Skwachays on a three-year contract, during which they produce pieces that are sold in the hotel’s lobby gallery. Skwachays’ goal is to help the artists become financially independent by the end of their contract.

Second, the remaining 18 rooms are designated as the hotel, each uniquely designed by one of six aboriginal artists. These rooms, as well as the gallery sales, fund the artist housing, resulting in a self-sustaining social enterprise.

Aside from the sheer beauty of its design, hotel guests can immerse themselves in aboriginal culture by participating in a traditional sweat lodge and smudge ceremonies. All food is produced by a local aboriginal catering company, with wine and beer focusing on local offerings as well.”

“I struggle everyday to love myself. I know we all do. But, when it gets are hard and the days happen where I can barely even look at myself, I remember that we exist because of the love of our ancestors. Our bodies are compromised of stories older than time, our blood and bones are of this land. Even if I have a day where I can’t see the beauty in myself, I still know that as imperfect as I am, I am here and supported by those who loved me into existence. Within this insurmountable accumulation of love, for land and people, I find enough left for me to begin to love myself again.”